Beverly Novosel

Beverly Novosel, age 84, passed away peacefully on June 7th. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, Beverly’s life was a true reflection of kindness, compassion, and joyful living.

Beverly was the beloved wife of Jack Novosel for 61 years. Sweethearts since their teens, they shared a life filled with deep appreciation, devotion, and affection. Bev was the cherished mother and mother-in-law of Lisa Ewers (Jim), Scott Novosel (Alli), and Brett Novosel (Christine), and the adoring grandmother of Jimmy, Ian, Maizy, Brayden, Brody, Cooper, Gigi, and Brooke. She was also a loving daughter, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, and the faithful companion to many wonderful dogs who brought joy to her life.

As an only child, Bev thrived on the company of loved ones all around her. She even absorbed her family’s and extended family’s in-laws into the fold. Her warmth, laughter, and infectious smile made everyone feel that they belonged. Over the years, she gracefully and persistently helped build and maintain a huge extended family rich in monthly gatherings and annual traditions.

Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Beverly (née Simons) spent nearly 60 years in Tinley Park, where she left a lasting impact on her community. A graduate of Mundelein University, she went on to earn her master’s degree in counseling from Chicago State University. Beverly dedicated her career to education, teaching domestic science and child development at Andrew and Sandburg High Schools. She later served as a guidance counselor at Stagg High School, where she helped countless students find their path with compassion, wisdom, and humor.

Beverly also gave generously to her community outside the classroom, serving on the Village of Tinley Park’s Scholarship Committee for decades—helping young people achieve their goals through higher education. She was also a longtime member of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. Her faith guided her life and shaped her commitment to family, service, and charity.

Bev found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved being in or near the water, caring for animals (especially dogs and birds), and spending as much time as possible with the children in her life. She had a passion for cooking, baking, gardening, entertaining, traveling, flying, biking, and cross-country skiing. She shared many hours in the kitchen teaching her kids and grandkids how to make chocolate chip cookies, apple pies, homemade pasta, egg rolls, gingerbread men, Christmas cookies, and countless other family favorites. She and Jack started hosting sleepovers at Grammie’s when the kids were still in cribs—just one of the many traditions that helped create an unbreakable bond among her eight grandchildren.

Bev approached life with a contagious sense of wonder. Her family will always remember her joyful exclamations like, “This is the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had!”—a reflection of her childlike appreciation for the everyday delights of life. She will be forever missed by her loving and well-loved family.